Westhemmerde Manor

The von dem Broel called Plater family, who owned the property until 1649, built the current moated castle in the 16th century. The first documentary mention of a Gerhard von dem Broel occurred as early as 1217, the family moved from Haus Broel to Westhemmerde around 1455. At the end of the 15th century, the northern main house, the oldest surviving building on the site, was constructed. Around 1560, the main house was extended. During the Thirty Years' War, the estate suffered looting, and the family temporarily left due to the plague. After the Broel line died out in 1659, ownership passed to the Vogt von Elspe family, who remained owners until 1800. Under Konrad Wilhelm Vogt von Elspe, the estate reached its greatest extent around 1716, encompassing 56 farms and cottages.